Rush to the head

October 8th, 2023

My forest is still mostly green — there are patches of yellow and smidgens of red, but green is still predominant. That is good because I was already afraid I would miss the beauty of fall like I missed the summer this year. Because I was busy, you know. That is why summer went by within the blink of an eye and I realized that only after it was gone.

There is strong sunshine this Sunday morning. The air is crisp with a little chilly wind added on. It is glorious. I felt a strong rush to the head with all the fresh air I breathed in. As I went for a walk in my forest, I realized that today was the first time in three months that I had gone there. And the forest starts only a couple of minutes' walk from where I live, so there are no excuses for me really.

But I was busy, I already told you! Busy with what actually? I cannot tell you because I am not sure…

I didn't see many changes in my forest. I still went by the personally landmarked trees I usually pass on my traditional walk. I noticed a few interesting and unusual trees farther on from the path since the foliage is getting thinner, and I will go back there to explore them further. The colors of the leaves will change soon and I don't want to miss that change, I want to be there to experience it. I don't want to again lose experiences of change and seasonality.

And I just realized something else — Early October was the time for seeing and experiencing the fall foliage in full. And today is already the 8th of October and the greenery is still strong. Trees seem to be adapting to climate change with each following generation, as a lot of us — and the vast majority of decision-makers — are blindly denying its reality. On one hand, I am curious how it will play out. On the other hand, I am glad that I miss the upcoming carnage that will befall humankind within the next few generations. For now — I will try to remember to enjoy nature as it is and enjoy myself as I am.